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This article contains spoilers and results from WWE Friday Night SmackDown on January 23, 2026. Reader discretion is advised.
WWE is gearing up for Saturday Night Main Event where the number one contender for Drew McIntyre’s WWE Undisputed Championship will be decided. Sami Zayn and Trick Williams are set for a high-stakes confrontation on Friday Night SmackDown against Randy Orton and Damian Priest in a fatal four-way match. The winner will face the “Scottish Warrior” at the Royal Rumble next week.
The tag team champions, MFT, have a showdown with Wyatt Sixx, while Jade Cargill takes on Chelsea Green in a singles tournament match. Carmelo Hayes is hosting another open challenge for the U.S. Championship, with Trick Williams facing Damian Priest in the main event.
Here are the results from WWE Friday Night SmackDown on January 23, 2026:
– Carmelo Hayes defeated Ilya Dragunov to retain the United States Title via pinfall.
– Jade Cargill defeated Chelsea Green by pinfall.
– MFT (Wyatt Sixx) won the tag team titles by pinfall.
– Nathan Frazier defeated Johnny Gargano by pinfall.
– Julia & Kiana James defeated Alexa Bliss & Charlotte Flair and Nia Jax & Rush Legend by pinfall to become the #1 contenders for the Women’s Tag Team Championship.
– The match between Trick Williams and Damian Priest ended in a no contest due to interference from Sami Zayn.
Key moments from the show included Sami Zayn opening the event in his hometown of Montreal, passionately addressing the crowd about his momentum and challenging Trick Williams to a showdown. Their tense exchange was interrupted by Damian Priest, leading to a chaotic brawl involving all three. Backstage, Randy Orton declared 2026 as “the year of the Viper” and vowed to win his 15th World Championship by defeating the other competitors.
Cody Rhodes, appearing in an interview, expressed his determination to reclaim the WWE Championship. He was interrupted by Jacob Fatu, who dismissed Rhodes as irrelevant and proclaimed his focus remains on Drew McIntyre. Jade Cargill confronted Jordynne Grace after her win, signaling her intent to compete in the Women’s Royal Rumble.
In another backstage segment, AJ Styles accepted a challenge to face Gunther at the Royal Rumble, encouraged by Shinsuke Nakamura to prove his greatness. Drew McIntyre addressed the crowd, emphasizing his commitment to defending the WWE Undisputed Championship and expressing mixed feelings toward Sami Zayn, who he believes struggles with the pressure of big matches.
One of the most memorable moments was the intense backstage face-off between Cody Rhodes and Jacob Fatu, showcasing the fierce competition for the WWE Championship and setting the stage for a thrilling rivalry in the coming weeks.
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Fan Take: This episode of SmackDown sets the stage for explosive clashes leading into the Royal Rumble, highlighting the intense rivalries and potential title changes that keep WWE fans on the edge of their seats. The growing tension between top superstars like Drew McIntyre, Sami Zayn, Cody Rhodes, and Jacob Fatu promises a captivating storyline that could redefine the landscape of the WWE Championship scene.
